($675+) Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA Movers
Moving from Mobile, AL, to Des Moines, IA, runs anywhere from $675 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,915 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 978 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,188, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,915 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,211 - $3,799, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $675 - $1,799.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Mobile, AL, to Des Moines, IA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,727 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA
Moving options from Mobile to Des Moines fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,727 - $6,567 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 44% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 74% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 978 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 978-mile route from Mobile to Des Moines, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,188 - $4,932 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,211 - $2,057), rental truck ($675 - $1,182), or freight trailer ($1,058 - $1,871). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,727 - $6,567 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,915.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA
Hiring full-service movers from Mobile, Alabama, to Des Moines, Iowa, costs between $2,188 and $7,915. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 978-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $256 - $1,704, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Mobile and Des Moines. For a rough baseline, movers based in Mobile tend to start around $367 plus $150/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Mobile to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,188 - $4,932
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,727 - $6,567
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,404 - $7,915
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Mobile to Des Moines.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Mobile movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Des Moines, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $426 - $4,260 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc. | $170 - $1,022/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $256 - $2,045 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage7% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $852 - $2,556 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,130 - $8,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $638 - $1,212 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc. | $852 - $2,130 |
| Piano | Any piano type20% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc. | $682 - $2,982 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $256 - $1,278 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc. | $554 - $1,704 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $256 - $12,780+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $256 - $2,982+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Mobile to Des Moines?
Look for Iowa Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Iowa beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Mobile, AL. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA
Moving containers from Mobile, Alabama, to Des Moines, Iowa, cost between $1,211 and $3,799. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Mobile costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Mobile to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,211 - $2,057
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,529 - $3,037
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,040 - $3,799
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Mobile, AL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $596, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $64 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $128 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Mobile, AL, and Des Moines, IA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Iowa move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,211. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,529 - $3,037.
What are the best moving containers Mobile to Des Moines?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Mobile to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Mobile:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 2 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 978 miles from Mobile, Alabama, to Des Moines, Iowa, running $675 - $1,799. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $265 - $303
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Mobile daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Mobile to Des Moines based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $675 - $1,182
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $716 - $1,391
- 4+ bedrooms: $836 - $1,799
Pro tip: A rental truck from Mobile to Des Moines looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $675 - $1,799. But once you factor in fuel ($265 - $303), overnight lodging ($128/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $64 and $298.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $128.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $265 and $303 for the 978-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $596 for 2 movers in Mobile, Alabama, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Mobile to Des Moines?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA
If you're moving a larger household from Mobile, Alabama, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Des Moines, Iowa.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,187 and $2,429.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Mobile to Des Moines:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,058 - $1,871
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,187 - $2,429
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,520 - $3,224
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $64 - $128 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Mobile, Alabama, typically costs $596.
What are the best freight companies from Mobile to Des Moines?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Mobile to Des Moines. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Mobile, AL vs Des Moines, IA
Mobile and Des Moines land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 84 in Mobile and 87 in Des Moines, and average rent is $1,300/mo vs. $1,150/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 32 vs 45 and safety scores are 35.05 vs 57.8.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines, IA to Mobile, AL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Iowa over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 112 movers in our Alabama network to compare for this 978-mile move.
Our take
The 978-mile move from Mobile, AL, to Des Moines, IA, costs between $2,188 and $7,915 with full-service movers, $1,211 - $3,799 with a moving container, and $675 - $1,799 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,727 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include MercyOne and Principal Financial Group.
FAQs: Moving from Mobile, AL, to Des Moines, IA
What do local movers charge in Mobile?
Local movers based in Mobile typically start around $367 as a base rate, plus $150/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Des Moines run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA?
Costs on this route range from around $675 to $7,915, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,188 and $7,915, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Mobile, AL to Des Moines, IA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $716 - $1,391. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($265 - $303), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $128/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Mobile movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 20% of movers in Mobile handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.